My new friend, Hassnae, is a colleague of my host teacher, Abdulkarim. My teaching partner, Lilia, and I enjoyed many shopping expeditions to the souks accompanied by Hassnae, who knew exactly where to go for various shopping items, and how to negotiate the best deals in Arabic.
Although there are many department stores in the cities selling groceries, clothes, and household items, many people prefer to buy from their local souk vendors than at the major chain stores.
Bargaining and purchasing needed items from trusted vendors is a way of life, and everything needed is purchased at a more reasonable price than at the brightly lit stores.
Being with two Arabic speakers afforded me a distinct advantage at the souks, where male merchants made comments such as, "Why are you doing this for her?"
We women stick together when it comes to shopping, and I dare say that is a universal rule.
I thought I had done quite well until departure from the airport, where I discovered that my many souvenir bargains, ranging from rugs to silver jewelry, teapots, tablecloths, soaps and other "must have" Moroccan essentials had cost me an extra $100 in overweight baggage fees.
Although there are many department stores in the cities selling groceries, clothes, and household items, many people prefer to buy from their local souk vendors than at the major chain stores.
Bargaining and purchasing needed items from trusted vendors is a way of life, and everything needed is purchased at a more reasonable price than at the brightly lit stores.
Being with two Arabic speakers afforded me a distinct advantage at the souks, where male merchants made comments such as, "Why are you doing this for her?"
We women stick together when it comes to shopping, and I dare say that is a universal rule.
I thought I had done quite well until departure from the airport, where I discovered that my many souvenir bargains, ranging from rugs to silver jewelry, teapots, tablecloths, soaps and other "must have" Moroccan essentials had cost me an extra $100 in overweight baggage fees.